Refugees & Refugee Claimants
If you are covered by the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), part of the cost of eligible mental health counselling may be covered through Medavie Blue Cross. Before counselling begins, we review your eligibility and any applicable authorization requirements.
The Interim Federal Health Program is a temporary federal program that provides limited health coverage for certain refugees, refugee claimants, protected persons, and other eligible groups. It is administered by Medavie Blue Cross. The extent and duration of coverage depends on each person’s immigration status and active coverage.
Eligibility
Having one of these statuses alone does not guarantee that all counselling services are covered. Your active IFHP status and specific benefits must be reviewed before starting.
How it works
Complete the secure form and submit your IFHP documentation
Your active coverage status, benefit type, and any prior-approval requirements are checked with Medavie Blue Cross
Counselling services may require prior approval; coverage isn’t assumed until that approval is received
Once coverage is confirmed and any potential cost is explained, sessions begin in Farsi or English
The number of covered sessions is not the same for everyone. It depends on your coverage status, clinical need, current IFHP regulations, initial approval, and any treatment extension if required. After your file is reviewed, you’ll be informed of the approved number of sessions and any extension requirements.
Session topics
Forced migration, the refugee process, and starting over in a new country can create significant psychological, emotional, family, and social pressures. Counselling offers a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space to talk through your experiences and learn practical strategies suited to your situation.
Managing ongoing worry, fear about the future, physical tension, and pressures related to migration and the refugee file.
Support in reducing hopelessness, loneliness, and mental fatigue, and gradually rebuilding energy and purpose.
Support with culture shock, changes in social status, language and work challenges, and starting life in Canada.
Trauma-informed support for managing fear, nightmares, intrusive memories, and a sense of insecurity.
Addressing insomnia, fatigue, nightmares, and stress, with strategies for stress regulation and better sleep.
Support in managing couple and family conflict, shifting roles, and improving communication after migration.
Processing longing, separation from loved ones, and the loss of home, work, or a former life.
Building social connection, a sense of belonging, and a support network in a new environment.
Everyone’s experience and needs are different. In the first session, your psychological state, main concerns, and treatment goals are reviewed to design the most suitable counselling plan. Providing services under IFHP coverage depends on active coverage, Medavie Blue Cross approval, and each person’s file.
FAQ
Having one of these statuses alone does not guarantee that all counselling services are covered. Your active IFHP status and specific benefits must be reviewed before starting.
Yes. While under current IFHP rules clients may be responsible for 30% of the service cost, our clinic does not collect this amount from you. If eligible and your IFHP coverage is confirmed, counselling sessions are provided at no cost to you. This applies only to IFHP-covered services at our clinic.
After an initial review, our team will guide you through every step, from checking your IFHP coverage to starting sessions. You don’t need to worry about gathering documents in advance.
Having IFHP documentation is usually the first step, but your coverage status is reviewed before sessions begin. If another document or step is needed, you’ll be told before sessions start.
Some files may require a referral or documentation, others don’t. After reviewing your situation, you’ll be guided step by step if anything further is needed.
Yes. Sessions are available online and in person (where offered). The best format will be arranged with you after your coverage review.
Yes. Sessions are offered in both Farsi and English, so you can speak in the language you’re most comfortable with.
If your IFHP coverage was recently issued, its status is checked first. If any waiting period or step is needed, you’ll be guided through it.
Don’t worry. Simply send it to us or bring it to your session so we can review it and guide you through any next steps if needed.
No. The number of sessions depends on your file and IFHP approval. After your file is reviewed, you’ll be told how many sessions you can use.
If you have insurance in addition to IFHP, please let us know before sessions begin so we can review your coverage and determine next steps.
In that case, this is fully discussed with you before treatment begins, including available options and any potential cost, so you can make an informed decision.
After receiving your information and reviewing your IFHP coverage, we’ll contact you as soon as possible to arrange your first session. If any further document or step is needed, you’ll be told before the session is booked.
